Knicks' Carmelo Anthony struggles to score late in loss to Spurs at Garden

Carmelo Anthony falls on top of Kristaps Porzingis in the 4th quarter - his only real impact late in the game in a loss to the Spurs. (Robert Sabo/New York Daily News)

The only thing Carmelo Anthony hit in the fourth quarter Monday night was Kristaps Porzingis.

For the third time this season, Anthony struggled to find his shot, this time against the Spurs at the Garden. After sitting for the first half of the final period, the Knicks' star forward entered with his team trailing by eight and missed his final two attempts in an eventual 94-84 loss.

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On one of those misses, a layup, Anthony landed on Porzingis and sprained the rookie's neck.

Anthony finished with 19 points but shot 4 of 17 from the field — the second time this season he's shot 25 percent or below in a game. He continues to suffer through inconsistency with his jump shot in his return from last season's knee surgery.

"Some days are better than others right now," said Anthony, who scored 37 points on 11 of 18 shooting in a win over the Wizards on Saturday. "We'll see what happens in Cleveland (Wednesday)."

Anthony is blocked from behind by Kawhi Leonard. (Robert Sabo/New York Daily News)

Of course, some if not most of Anthony's poor shooting Monday night should be attributed to Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, who continues to emerge as one of the elite perimeter defenders in the NBA.

Many of Anthony's 17 attempts were rushed, contested or over multiple defenders. Leonard was consistently in Anthony's face and prevented him from getting clean looks, particularly around the basket. Anthony's only option was to try and draw fouls, which he did with moderate success. He went 10 of 12 from the line.

Leonard blocked three of Anthony's shots — two layups and a fadeaway jumper. On one layup rejection, Leonard went up with two hands and ripped the ball away from Anthony.

He started a fast break and after dishing to Parker, got the ball back and buried his lone three of the night.

"It is something I want to do. I like guarding the best player," Leonard said.

After the game, when asked about Anthony's struggles, Derek Fisher stressed the importance of sharing the load offensively, especially in games when his star doesn't have it.

"There are nights where either the ball's going in or not for different reasons. You don't have to rely on that, though," Fisher said. "That's what we're learning as we kind of continue to go through this process as a team, that you're not relying on any one guy to have a good offensive night in order for you to win."

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Melo, though, has no intention of taking fewer shots.

"I don't think I can take my foot off the pedal, just to be quite honest with you," Anthony said. "I think we will all adjust to that."